This book is a survey of the history of work in general and of European urban artisans in particular, from the late middle ages to the era of industrialization.

First comparative study of landless households brings out their major role in European history and society.The numbers of landless people - those lacking formal

During the Enlightenment, in a society that was increasingly urbanised and mobile, footwear was an essential item of apparel. This book considers not only the p

This essay collection presents a global history of the middle class and its rise around the world during the age of empire. It compares middle-class formation i

For a long time guilds have been condemned as a major obstacle to economic progress in the pre-industrial era. This re-examination of the role of guilds in the